The compliance division is currently assessing the allegations to ensure compliance with proper procedures, a standard practice in such instances.
The governing body of Formula One, the International Automobile Federation (FIA), which serves as the regulatory authority, has acknowledged the existence of a report regarding potential wrongdoing by certain members of its leadership, including its president, Mohammed Ben Sulayem.
The focus is on accusations that Ben Sulayem may have tampered with the outcome of the previous year’s Saudi Arabian Grand Prix and attempted to hinder the certification process for the Las Vegas Grand Prix.
The FIA issued a statement confirming that its compliance officer had received a report outlining these potential allegations against members of the organization’s governing body.
The compliance division is currently evaluating the claims to ensure adherence to proper procedures, a customary course of action in such cases.
A significant aspect of the controversy, as reported by the BBC, revolves around an incident at the 2023 Saudi Grand Prix where Ben Sulayem is accused of trying to overturn a penalty imposed on Fernando Alonso of Aston Martin.
This allegation, attributed to an unidentified whistleblower, suggests that Ben Sulayem contacted Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the FIA vice-president for the Middle East and North Africa, who was present in Saudi Arabia at the time, advocating for the cancellation of Alonso’s penalty.
Alonso had received a 10-second penalty in addition to an earlier five-second penalty, impacting his position in the race.
The rescission of this penalty allegedly reinstated Alonso to third place, trailing behind Red Bull drivers Sergio Perez and Max Verstappen, raising doubts about the fairness of the decision-making process.
Furthermore, allegations emerged that Ben Sulayem instructed officials not to certify the Las Vegas circuit for its Grand Prix.
Christian Horner’s #RedBull still facing the sack as #FIA intervenes.
However, an FIA spokesperson defended the certification process, stating that it adhered to FIA protocols regarding inspection and certification.
The spokesperson pointed out that delays in the inspection were due to construction work carried out by local organizers, suggesting that the certification process was not influenced by improper interventions.
These allegations have sparked controversy within the Formula One community, casting a shadow over the governance of the sport and raising concerns about the fairness and integrity of its leadership.